On February 1st, 2025, River Legacy Nature Center was buzzing—literally! We had the pleasure of hosting Sam Kieschnick, an Urban Wildlife Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, for his highly anticipated presentation, “Amazing Unknown Bugs.” And let’s just say, the room was packed! Families, nature lovers, and curious minds of all ages gathered to dive deep into the fascinating world of insects.

Sam’s energy and passion for bugs were contagious. He wasn’t just giving a lecture—he was bringing the insect world to life. With his engaging storytelling, fun facts, and interactive approach, he had the audience hooked from the start.

Making Bugs Exciting Instead of Scary

One of the standout moments of the presentation was when Sam led the audience in an enthusiastic chant:
🗣️ “Bugs are cool!” 🗣️

Kids (and let’s be honest, some adults too!) walked into the event a little wary of insects. But by the time they left, they were excited about the idea of going out and discovering bugs instead of running away from them.

Sam has a gift for taking the fear out of insects and replacing it with wonder. He explained how bugs are essential to our ecosystems—pollinating plants, breaking down organic matter, and even helping control pests. His approach made the audience realize that bugs are more than just creepy crawlers—they’re vital players in the world around us.

A Fun Homework Assignment: Find a Bug!

At the end of the presentation, Sam gave everyone a special challenge:
👀 Find a bug this week and learn everything you can about it!

He encouraged attendees to observe bugs in their backyards, parks, and neighborhoods, and to ask questions like:

• What does it eat?
• Where does it live?
• How does it help the environment?

Extra credit if they documented it on iNaturalist.

The Emerald Ash Borer: An Invasive Threat to Texas Forests

One of the most popular discussion topics during the event was the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)—a small but destructive beetle that has been devastating ash trees across Texas. Sam took time to explain why this insect is such a major threat and what it means for the future of Texas forests.

🌳 Key Takeaways on the Emerald Ash Borer:

✔️ It’s an invasive species from Asia that attacks and kills ash trees.
✔️ The beetle’s larvae burrow beneath the bark, cutting off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
✔️ Texas is seeing a rapid decline in ash tree populations, and experts are working hard to slow the spread.
✔️ People can help by reporting signs of infestation and avoiding the movement of firewood (which can carry the beetle to new locations).

The audience was engaged by asking how they can protect trees in their own communities. Sam encouraged everyone to stay informed, support conservation efforts, and spread awareness about the EAB’s impact.

A Packed House and a Great Experience

With such an engaged audience, the event flew by in no time. Every seat was filled, and people were eager to learn. The mix of humor, education, and interactive moments made it an experience to remember.

Thank you to Sam Kieschnick and Texas Parks and Wildlife for sharing their expertise and passion with us! Events like these highlight the importance of conservation, education, and community involvement in protecting our natural world.

And of course, a huge thank you to everyone who attended and participated! We love seeing our community get excited about nature, and we can’t wait to host more amazing events in the future.

Did You Complete Your Bug Homework?

If you attended the event, we’d love to hear from you! What bug did you find? What did you learn? Tag us on social media with your discoveries—we’d love to share them!

And if you missed this event, don’t worry! We have plenty more exciting programs coming up. Stay tuned for more ways to explore, learn, and connect with nature at River Legacy Nature Center.